Finishing touches are being put on a new leisure centre ahead of its opening this winter.

In November the Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre will open to the public, following 13 months and £9.5m of building work.

Along with building partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Pozzoni, the new development is the work of Places Leisure, which took over the leisure centres in Epping Forest in April last year.

Chris McCarthy, general manager for Places Leisure, said: “We are looking forward to making the new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre our new home and welcoming our community to enjoy the fantastic facilities that the new centre will offer, including a new state of the art gym and dedicated virtual cycling studio with classes led by Les Mills virtual master trainers.

"There really is something for everyone and we are excited about making this venue a hub for the local community and inspiring all of our members to take up a more active lifestyle.

"The final countdown begins.”

The new centre will boast a six lane swimming pool and separate teaching pool with moveable floor, among other facilities.

To find out more go to www.walthamabbeyswimmingpool.org